Getting to know the Eureka AS1104A SuctionSeal Pet Vacuum (pictures)

The extension hose and wand reach 9 feet from the body of the vacuum.

The brushroll lever is easy to control, making it simple to turn it off or on, depending on your floors.

The bin detaches more easily than most.

This dial allows you to control whether you will be vacuuming floors or using the wand and attachments. I like that they are separate operations, unlike the Dyson vacuums, which automatically suction through the wand if the vacuum is locked upright.

This dial allows you to customize the vacuum's performance based on your flooring, ranging from bare floors to high-pile carpet.

Better than Dyson? We can't speak for the DC25 (because we haven't tested it), but the Eureka outperformed the Dyson DC40 Origin and DC50 Animal in half of our tests.

The Eureka Pet Power Paw is an attachment designed to remove stubborn pet hair from upholstery, furniture, or carpet. It is highly effective -- just don't get your fingers in the way!

The Eureka comes with a replaceable HEPA filter, a huge bonus for those with allergy or asthma concerns.